“Too conservative. He would have been my last choice of all the cardinals. He will take the church in a very conservative direction.”

— Grant Clowers, social worker, Lawrence

“I think that he is too old. They should have probably chosen someone younger, but I'm still very happy with the selection. All the candidates were wisely selected.”

— Caitlin Sanders, Kansas University freshman, Lawrence

“I would like to think that there would be a better choice and that being a Hitler Youth would disqualify one from becoming pope.”

— Bob Apprill, car salesman, Lawrence

“I think this new pope was a good choice. I think that electing an older pope was smart for not only Catholics, but for society in general. An older, more conservative pope will keep the church grounded after losing John Paul.”

— Katie Serrone, bartender, Lawrence